Phind Prompt for Technical Documentation

This prompt helps developers create clear technical documentation that explains code, APIs, or processes to other engineers. Perfect for software developers, DevOps engineers, and technical writers who need to document systems without spending hours writing. Phind will generate developer-friendly docs with code examples and proper technical depth.

Works Best With: Phind | Also works with: ChatGPT, Claude, You.com

The Prompt

Write technical documentation for [PROJECT/FEATURE/API NAME].

Technical context:
– What it does: [PRIMARY FUNCTION]
– Technology stack: [LANGUAGES, FRAMEWORKS, TOOLS]
– Target audience: [JUNIOR DEVS, SENIOR ENGINEERS, etc.]
– Integration points: [WHAT IT CONNECTS TO]

Documentation should include:
1. Overview (what it is, why it exists, when to use it)
2. Prerequisites (required knowledge, dependencies, setup)
3. Quick Start (minimal working example in [X MINUTES])
4. Core Concepts (key architecture, design patterns, data flow)
5. API Reference or Code Examples (with syntax highlighting suggestions)
6. Common Use Cases (2-3 real-world scenarios)
7. Troubleshooting (anticipated errors and solutions)
8. Advanced Topics (for power users, optional)

Use clear, concise language.
Include code snippets in [PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE].
Add comments explaining non-obvious logic.
Format for readability with headers and code blocks.

When to Use This Prompt

• You’ve built a new feature or API and need to document it for your team
• You’re onboarding new developers and need comprehensive system documentation
• You need to create README files, wiki pages, or internal knowledge base articles
• You’re open-sourcing a project and want professional documentation

What You’ll Get

The AI will generate comprehensive technical documentation structured for developer consumption, starting with a high-level overview that orients readers, moving through prerequisites and quick-start guides for immediate hands-on experience, detailed explanations of core concepts and architecture, practical code examples with inline comments, real-world use cases that demonstrate value, troubleshooting guidance for common errors, and advanced sections for experienced users. The documentation balances completeness with scannability through proper formatting.

Why This Prompt Works

• Audience targeting: Specifying skill level ensures appropriate technical depth and terminology for readers

• 8-section framework: The structured format covers everything developers need from overview to advanced usage

• Quick Start inclusion: Providing a working example early helps developers verify setup before deep diving

• Troubleshooting proactively: Anticipating common errors saves support time and reduces developer frustration

How to Customize This Prompt

1. [PROJECT/FEATURE/API NAME] — Be specific: “User Authentication Service” not just “auth”
2. [PRIMARY FUNCTION] — Explain purpose in one sentence: “Handles OAuth 2.0 login flow for web and mobile”
3. [LANGUAGES, FRAMEWORKS, TOOLS] — List tech stack: “Python 3.11, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Redis”
4. [TARGET AUDIENCE] — Define reader expertise to calibrate complexity
5. [WHAT IT CONNECTS TO] — Name dependencies and integration points for context
6. [X MINUTES] — Set realistic quick-start time: “5 minutes,” “15 minutes”
7. [PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE] — Specify language for code examples

Pro Tips

• Add diagrams guidance: Request “suggest where to include architecture diagrams or flowcharts” to identify visual opportunities

• Version compatibility: Include “note version compatibility and breaking changes” for mature projects with multiple versions

• Performance considerations: Add “include performance tips and optimization guidelines” for production-critical systems

• Security notes: Request “highlight security best practices and common vulnerabilities” for authentication, payment, or data-handling code